Discover how to see puffins in the UK with our guide to the best viewing spots, the ideal time to visit and expert tips for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
How to See Puffins in the UK: Skomer Island And Beyond
P-p-p-p-p-p-p-pick up a puffin! No, don’t actually pick one up, of course, but if, like me, you’re a child of a certain generation, you’ll remember that penguin advert just as soon as you meet these curious black and white bundles of fun.
Both penguins and puffins are ridiculously joyful birds. No hint of the menace of a seagull, no “camouflage” mousy brown feathers and no nocturnal hiding.
Puffins are proud, punchy, popular and plentiful – and you can find these seabirds right here in the UK.
The Joy of an Organised Trip
Trying to juggle ferry timetables in semi-remote areas is not for the time short or faint of heart. Joining an organised safari-style trip can make life much easier, plus you can soak up expertise as well as the views of the coastline as you go.
Naturetrek runs specialist wildlife holidays that focus on seeing puffins and other seabirds during the breeding season. These expert-led tours combine birdwatching with natural history and are ideal if you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else. (And by the by, taking a short tour is also a good way to test out the company before booking onto one of their longer wildlife holidays which venture further afield.)
Why Skomer Island is One of the Best Places to See Puffins in the UK
I may be biased because I love Wales so much, but when I think of puffins, I think of Skomer Island.
Located off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer Island is a protected nature reserve famous for its wildlife. While it’s not all about the puffins – you can also find guillemots, razorbills, kittiwake colonies and gannets – for most people, these quirky birds steal the show.
They return every year between April and July to raise their young and they lurch and dive and waddle and shuffle about while they’re doing it.
It’s hard to describe just how close you can get to the puffins without even trying. Unlike some clifftop colonies where binoculars are essential, here they often wander along the very same paths you’ll be walking.
Discover more unusual things to do in Pembrokeshire here.
The Best Time of Year to See Puffins
Puffin season generally runs from April to July, although the best time of year to maximise your chances of up-close encounters is usually May to early July.
- April and July mark the start and end of the season.
- May and June bring the highest numbers.
- June and July are ideal for seeing adults carrying beakfuls of sand eels.
- During the puffin breeding season, adults incubate eggs in underground nesting burrows.
- Later in summer, the chicks – known as pufflings – begin preparing for life at sea.
How to Visit Skomer Island
Here is the stinger.
When you time it right, getting to Skomer Island is as simple as enjoying a picturesque return boat trip in a single day. However, securing tickets for the journey is not always an easy experience.
Crossings are weather dependent and rough seas occasionally prevent boats from sailing. If you really have your heart set on seeing those puffins, then make sure you build some flexibility into your plans.
Boats to Skomer depart from Martin’s Haven, a small harbour on the Pembrokeshire coast near Marloes. If you’re staying nearby, St Davids makes a convenient base, although many visitors also stay in Haverfordwest or elsewhere around Pembrokeshire.
Arrive early, particularly during May and June when demand is highest. Parking is available at Martin’s Haven, but spaces can fill quickly on busy days.
Book Your Landing Ticket
Day visitors need both a boat crossing and an island landing ticket. These are sold together and should be booked in advance, especially during peak puffin season.
Numbers are capped each day, and popular dates often sell out weeks ahead.
For current ticket prices, sailing times, weather updates and booking information, check the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales website before travelling. Their channels provide the latest information on cancellations and any temporary visitor restrictions.
One final tip: although many people bring long lenses, don’t worry if you don’t own specialist camera equipment. Puffins come so close that even a selfie snap will be fine to capture them on film!
Day Trips or Overnight Stays?
A day trip is fine for all but the most hardened twitcher. There is a small hostel on the island but you need to book far in advance to be able to stay.
What Else Can You See on Skomer Island?
Puffin season generally runs from April to July, although the best time of year to maximise your chances of up-close encounters is usually May to early July.
- Guillemots and razorbills
- Kittiwakes
- Gannet colonies offshore
- Eider ducks
- Grey seals
Plus spectacular coastal scenery!
Nearby Skokholm Island, another important nesting site, is famous for Manx shearwaters and forms part of the same marine nature reserve.
What to Pack for Skomer Island
- Waterproof jacket and layers – Pembrokeshire weather can change quickly.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
- Water and snacks or a packed lunch.
- Binoculars for watching seabirds and seals.
- A camera with a zoom lens if you enjoy wildlife photography.
- Sun cream and a hat in warm weather, as there is little shade on the island.
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness. That crossing can get rough!
How to See Puffins Responsibly
As a generally responsible Inside the Travel Lab reader, most of this advice will seem second nature. But there are a few things to watch out for which may not be that obvious unless you’re an experienced twitcher.
The main one is to not take a single step off the marked path for any reason. Nesting burrows can come right up to the path and are not always easy to spot. It’s bad for the birds, obviously, but it can also easily leave you with a twisted ankle – or worse.
So, a few simple rules help protect the colony:
Stay on the marked path
Avoid standing near nesting burrows.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Never feed wildlife.
Give birds plenty of space.
Where to See Puffins in the UK: At a Glance
Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
Take a boat from Martin’s Haven. Visitor numbers are limited, so booking ahead is essential.
Nearest main base town: St Davids
Distance from London: Approx. 250 miles (5–6 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Farne Islands, Northumberland
The Farne Islands are among England’s most famous puffin colonies and are particularly convenient for visitors in the north. Boat trips depart from Seahouses, with nearby Bamburgh serving as a popular base for accommodation and sightseeing.
Nearest main base town: Bamburgh
Distance from London: Approx. 340 miles (5.5–6 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire
Bempton Cliffs offers the chance to see the puffins without taking a boat. The birds nest on dramatic cliff tops alongside thousands of other seabirds, making this one of the easiest mainland locations for families and those prone to seasickness. The nearby seaside town of Bridlington makes a convenient base.
Nearest main base town: Bridlington
Distance from London: Approx. 220 miles (4–5 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Anglesey and Puffin Island
Boat excursions from Beaumaris visit Ynys Seiriol – better known as Puffin Island.
Local operators such as Seacoast Safaris offer Puffin Island boat trips around this protected island, where visitors may also spot seals and dolphins. Many visitors stay in Beaumaris or nearby Bangor on the mainland.
Nearest main base town: Beaumaris (Bangor for rail connections)
Distance from London: Approx. 270 miles (5–6 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The East Coast of Scotland and the Hebrides
Scotland’s islands support some of the UK’s largest puffin colonies. Popular locations include the Isle of May on the east coast, Lunga in the Treshnish Isles, Mull and surrounding waters, and Staffa, often combined with trips to the Treshnish Isles. Some of Scotland’s colonies are enormous, with thousands of breeding pairs gathering each summer. Many visitors use Oban as a base for west coast island excursions, while Anstruther is the gateway for the Isle of May.
Nearest main base town: Oban (west coast) or Anstruther (east coast)
Distance from London: Approx. 450–500 miles (8–10 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Cornwall
Although Cornwall is not known for the UK’s largest puffin colonies, occasional boat trips and coastal sightings provide opportunities to spot the birds during the breeding season. Sightings are less predictable than elsewhere, but combining a wildlife excursion with a Cornish holiday can be fun.
Nearest main base town: St Ives or Penzance
Distance from London: Approx. 300 miles (5–6 hours by car)
DIY ease: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Chance of seeing puffins: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
FAQ: Visiting Puffins in the UK
When is the best time to see puffins in the UK?
Puffins typically arrive on land between April and July, with May and June generally offering the best opportunities for sightings. During these months, adult birds are busy feeding chicks and can often be seen carrying beakfuls of sand eels back to their burrows.
Where is the best place to see puffins in the UK?
Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire! Mainly because you can walk among thousands of birds at close range. Other excellent locations include the Farne Islands in Northumberland and Scotland’s Treshnish Isles.
Can you see puffins without taking a boat?
Yes. Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire offers one of the easiest ways to see puffins from the mainland. You can watch the birds nesting on the cliffs from dedicated viewing platforms.
Do you need to book Skomer Island in advance?
Yes. Visitor numbers to Skomer Island are restricted to protect wildlife, and places often sell out during peak season. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for visits in May and June.
How close can you get to puffins?
In places such as Skomer Island, puffins often wander close to footpaths and may come within a few feet of visitors. However, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched or disturbed.
Are puffins endangered?
Atlantic puffins are classified as vulnerable globally because their numbers have declined in several parts of their range. Conservation efforts around the UK help protect breeding colonies and their habitats.
Can children visit puffin colonies?
Yes! Many puffin sites are family friendly. Bempton Cliffs is particularly easy with young children because there is no boat journey involved, while Skomer Island and the Farne Islands are suitable for older children comfortable with walking and sea crossings.
What other wildlife can you see alongside puffins?
Depending on the location, you may also see guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, seals, dolphins and, occasionally, porpoises. Skomer Island is also known for its population of Manx shearwaters.
Which UK puffin colony is easiest to visit from London?
Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire is one of the simplest options thanks to its mainland location and relatively straightforward rail and road connections from London.
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